Mississippi hunting licenses are required for all hunting enthusiasts who plan on taking wildlife from any state-sanctioned hunting areas. Hunters caught removing wildlife from hunting areas without proper licensing are subject to fines, penalties and poaching charges. Make sure to have the right hunting permit at all times while out on hunting trips to avoid this difficult process. Each license to hunt is regulated and issued by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to both residents and non residents. When applying for a residential hunting license, residents will have to provide proof of residency to wildlife officials. Factors that affect the fee and type of license each hunter must apply for include the applicant’s age, residency status, the type of animal the hunter plans on catching and the length of the license’s validity period before expiration. Prior to completing a hunting license application, applicants must first complete any hunter education program requirements set by the MS Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. Hunter education programs are headed by wildlife officials and cover a variety of topics such as wildlife management, survival skills, hunting ethics and firearm safety. Once the hunting program is completed, students can buy hunting licenses from the state wildlife department. The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks offers three methods for completing a hunting license application: online, in person and by mail. For more information on how to get hunting licenses in Mississippi, read the sections outlined below:

What types of hunting licenses are available in Mississippi?

To buy hunting licenses in Mississippi, hunters must first decide exactly what type of license they need. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks offers a number of hunting permits to both residents and non residents visiting the state for some hunting activities. Each license to hunt is categorized by a variety of factors, including the age of the applicant, the residency status of the applicant, the type of animal the applicant plans on hunting and how long the applicant would like his or her hunting permit to be valid for. The types of licenses available from the state wildlife department include the sportsman’s license, all game hunting and fishing license, combination archery/crossbow/primitive weapon license, fall turkey hunting permit, small game hunting and fishing license, waterfowl stamp and deer permit. The department also offers apprentice hunting licenses to individuals who have not completed the hunter education requirements but would still like to see what it is like to hunt in Mississippi. During hunting trips, apprentice hunters must be accompanied by a licensed adult at all times.

Prices for hunting licenses vary depending on the applicant’s residency status and the length of the hunting license’s validity period. Discounted and free licensing options are also available for disabled and elderly residents, as well as options for lifetime hunting licenses. Lifetime licenses are available to residents only. To establish residency, applicants must hold a current Mississippi driver’s license. Applicants with no driver’s license can buy residential hunting licenses by providing a resident income tax return, home stead exemption receipt or another document proving that Mississippi is the applicant’s primary residence.

How do I purchase hunting licenses in Mississippi?

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks offers a number of different hunting license options for hunting enthusiasts, along with a number of different methods for submitting a hunting license application. The preferred method for applicants to buy hunting licenses is through the wildlife department’s Online Licensing System. On the online system, applicants must provide wildlife officials with bits of personal information, such as a valid driver’s license number, hunter education number, name, address, date of birth and proof of Mississippi residency (if applying for a residential hunting license). Applicants should also make sure to have a major credit or debit card handy to pay the hunting license fees.

For hunters who do not have the option of purchasing a hunting license online, there is also the option of applying for a hunting license in person through a Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks office or authorized retailer. Hunters can also submit applications through the mail by printing and completing a hunting license application and mailing it along with the hunting license fee to a local wildlife department office.

Am I required to take any hunting classes to be eligible for a Mississippi hunting license purchase?

All MS hunting permit applicants born after January 1, 1972 are required to take a hunter education course approved by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks before they can apply for their hunting license. Additionally, children between the ages of 12 and 16 must have a hunter education certificate before hunting in the state. Children who are younger than 12 years of age are not required to have a hunter education certificate but must be accompanied by a licensed hunter older than 21 years of age during all hunting expeditions. Hunting education programs are taught by wildlife experts and cover a wide range of topics such as firearm safety, survival skills and wildlife management.

How do I replace hunting licenses in Mississippi?

To replace lost, stolen or damaged licenses to hunt in Mississippi, hunters can either visit the wildlife department’s online licensing system or visit a local Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks office to purchase a duplicate hunting permit. Hunting permits can be reprinted online for free, so long as the original license is valid at the time of the request. When replacing hunting licenses in person, applicants will need to pay a small fee to the department in order to receive the duplicate. Hunters will also have to submit a duplicate hunting license application in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. All throughout the United States, hunters safety classes must be completed in order for applicants to obtain their desired hunting permits and stamps. Failure to take this specific course will result in the rejection of your hunting license request, thus requiring you to start over.

Depending on your state of residence, you may be able to buy hunting licenses in a variety of ways, including online (through your state department’s portal), by mail, by phone or in person. Choose the option that is most convenient for you. Make sure to also have any type of official documentation and payment for fees on hand.

No. Different states have different limits and regulations on hunting licensure. Certain animals may be considered “prohibited species,” whereas other animals may be legal to hunt, so long as you have the necessary hunting permit/stamp. Keep in mind that if you do hunt for any type of prohibited species, you will be subject to serious consequences.

Yes. States typically offer various short-term hunters license options, such as one-day and one-week passes, to those who do not meet residency requirements. In order to receive issuance of a short-term hunting license, make sure to get in touch with your state/hunting wildlife department to find out the available methods you have to apply.

In the event your hunting credentials are lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, contact your state hunting/wildlife department to order a hunting license replacement. You may have to make an in-person visit to a local office to complete the process. At the time of your replacement request, you may be asked to present your state driving license or another type of identification.